November 07, 2005
Monday

Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski issued a state disaster declaration for the Northwest Arctic Borough, the Bering Strait, Kashunamiut, Lower Yukon, and Lower Kuskokwim Rural Education Attendance Areas in response to a fall sea storm that caused widespread damage in late September.

"The damage inflicted on the communities in the named areas is extensive," said Murkowski. "I'm directing my Administration to work quickly to respond to assist in the recovery effort for these hard-hit communities."

Communities along the Bering Sea and Norton Sound experienced coastal flooding, high winds, and tidal surges when a powerful fall sea storm moved into the region on September 22. Numerous public infrastructure components, such as water and sewer systems and road systems were hit hardest during the storm.

The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management contacted over 30 communities in the affected areas before and during the storm to assess life/safety issues and identify storm damage. After the storm passed, a joint DHS&EM and Federal Emergency Management Agency Preliminary Disaster Assessment team traveled to the hardest hit communities to get a first hand assessment of the damages.

Governor Murkowski plans to ask President Bush to declare a federal disaster in the affected areas so FEMA can offer additional assistance in recovering from the storm.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
http://www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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